Page 219 - Intro Predictive Maintenance

210 An Introduction to Predictive Maintenance

adequate protection. It may also require modifications and/or additions to the system
to allow the component to run within an acceptable range.

Operating Equipment Evaluation
A visual inspection of the equipment is required to examine and record the compo-
nents used in the system, including filtration, breathers, coolers, heaters, and so on.
This inspection should also record all operating temperatures and pressures, duty
cycles, rotational direction, rotating speeds, filter indicators, and the like. Tempera-
ture reading of the major components is required to reflect the component operating
system temperature. A noncontract, infrared scanner may be used to obtain accurate
temperature readings.

Operating Environment
Hostile environments or environmental contamination is usually not considered when
the original equipment manufacturer establishes equipment operating parameters.
These conditions can influence lubricant degradation, eventually resulting in damaged
equipment. All environmental conditions such as mean temperature, humidity, and all
possible contaminants must be recorded.

Maintenance History
Reliable history relating to wear and lubrication-related failures can assist in the
decision-making process of adjusting and tightening targets and limits. These targets
should allow for advanced warnings of historical problems and possible root-cause
detection.

Oil Sampling Location
A sampling location should be identified for each piece of equipment to allow for
trouble-free, repetitive, and representative sampling of the health of the equipment
and the lubricant. This sampling method should allow the equipment to be tested under
its actual operating condition while being unobtrusive and safe for the technician.

New Oil Baseline
A sample of the new lubricant is required to provide a baseline or reference point for
physical and chemical properties of the lubricant. Lubricants and additive packages
can change over time, so adjusting lubrication targets and alarms should reflect these
changes.

Cooling Water Baseline
A sample of the cooling water, when used, should be collected, tested, and ana-
lyzed to obtain its physical and chemical properties. These results are used to